U.S. patent application number 09/847779 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-07 for system to interpret item identifiers.
Invention is credited to Greene, David P., Stern, Edith H., Willner, Barry E..
Application Number | 20020165801 09/847779 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25301484 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020165801 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stern, Edith H. ; et
al. |
November 7, 2002 |
System to interpret item identifiers
Abstract
A system to obtain item information includes capture of an image
of an item identifier, transmission of the image, and, in response
to the transmission, reception of item information associated with
an item identified by the item identifier. Embodiments of this
system allow usage of item identifiers and associated item
information by any system in which an image can be transmitted and
item information can be received.
Inventors: |
Stern, Edith H.; (Yorktown
Heights, NY) ; Willner, Barry E.; (Briarcliff Manor,
NY) ; Greene, David P.; (Ossining, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCKLEY, MASCHOFF, TALWALKAR, & ALLISON
5 ELM STREET
NEW CANAAN
CT
06840
US
|
Family ID: |
25301484 |
Appl. No.: |
09/847779 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.61 ;
705/26.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06Q 30/0623 20130101; G06Q 30/0639 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/27 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for obtaining item information, comprising: capturing
an image of an item identifier; transmitting the image; and in
response to the transmission, receiving item information associated
with an item identified by the item identifier.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the image is transmitted
to a device.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the image is transmitted
via a wireless connection.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the item identifier
comprises at least one of a barcode, a VCRplus code, text, a
portion of the item, a color, and a texture.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the item identifier is a
Uniform Resource Locator.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the item identifier is an
element of a promotional offer.
7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the item information
comprises at least one of item specifications, warranty
information, executable software, item availability information,
Web page data, and a machine-readable version of a text
identifier.
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the item information
comprises software for conducting optical character
recognition.
9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the item identifier is
located proximate to a location, and wherein the item information
relates to the location.
10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the item information
comprises an expiration date.
11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising recording
the expiration date in a calendar.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the item identifier is
an element of a promotional offer.
13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the item identifier is
printed in circulated materials.
14. A method according to claim 11, wherein the calendar is a
countdown calendar.
15. A method for providing item information, comprising: receiving
an image of an item identifier; and determining, based on the
received image, item information associated with an item identified
by the item identifier.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the image is received
from a device.
17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising:
transmitting the item information to the device.
18. A method according to claim 16, further comprising:
transmitting the item information to a second device.
19. A method according to claim 16, further comprising: receiving a
second image of a second item identifier from a second device; and
determining, based on the received second image, item information
associated with a second item identified by the second item
identifier.
20. A method according to claim 15, wherein the determining step
comprises: translating the received image into an identification
code.
21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the determining step
further comprises: identifying the item information as being
associated with the identification code.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the identifying step
comprises: transmitting the identification code to a device.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the identifying step
further comprises: receiving the item information from the
device.
24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the device transmits
the item information to a device from which the image was
received.
25. A method according to claim 15, wherein the item identifier
comprises at least one of a barcode, a VCRplus code, text, a
portion of the item, a color, and a texture.
26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the item identifier is
a Uniform Resource Locator.
27. A method according to claim 15, wherein the item identifier is
an element of a promotional offer.
28. A method according to claim 15, wherein the item information
comprises at least one of item specifications, warranty
information, executable software, item availability information,
Web page data, an expiration date, and a machine-readable version
of a text identifier.
29. A method according to claim 28, wherein the item information
comprises software for conducting optical character
recognition.
30. A method according to claim 15, wherein the determining step
further comprises: determining a type of the received image; and
determining a method to obtain item information based on the
type.
31. A method according to claim 15, wherein the item identifier is
located proximate to a location, and wherein the item information
relates to the location.
32. A method according to claim 15, further comprising: receiving
payment from a seller of the item.
33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the payment is based on
a number of times the image is received.
34. A method according to claim 32, wherein the payment is based on
an increase in the seller's revenue.
35. A system to interpret item identifiers, comprising: a client
device for capturing an image of an item identifier, for
transmitting the image, and for receiving item information
associated with an item identified by the item identifier in
response to the transmission; and a server for receiving the image
and determining the item information based on the received
image.
36. A system according to claim 35, further comprising: an
information provider for receiving the image from the server, for
determining the item information, and for transmitting the item
information to the server.
37. A system according to claim 35, further comprising: an
information provider for receiving the image from the server, for
determining the item information, and for transmitting the item
information to the client device.
38. A system according to claim 35, wherein the server receives a
payment from a seller of the item.
39. A system according to claim 38, wherein the payment is based on
a number of times the image is received.
40. A system according to claim 38, wherein the payment is based on
an increase in the seller's revenue.
41. A medium storing processor-executable process steps to obtain
item information, the process steps comprising: a step to capture
an image of an item identifier; a step to transmit the image; and a
step to receive, in response to the transmission, item information
associated with an item identified by the item identifier.
42. A medium according to claim 41, wherein the image is
transmitted to a device.
43. A medium according to claim 41, wherein the image is
transmitted via a wireless connection.
44. A medium according to claim 41, wherein the item identifier
comprises at least one of a barcode, a VCRplus code, text, a
portion of the item, a color, and a texture.
45. A medium according to claim 44, wherein the item identifier is
a Uniform Resource Locator.
46. A medium according to claim 41, wherein the item identifier is
an element of a promotional offer.
47. A medium according to claim 41, wherein the item information
comprises at least one of item specifications, warranty
information, executable software, item availability information,
Web page data, and a machine-readable version of a text
identifier.
48. A medium according to claim 47, wherein the item information
comprises software for conducting optical character
recognition.
49. A medium according to claim 41, wherein the item identifier is
located proximate to a location, and wherein the item information
relates to the location.
50. A medium according to claim 41, wherein the item information
comprises an expiration date.
51. A medium according to claim 50, the process steps further
comprising a step to record the expiration date in a calendar.
52. A medium according to claim 51, wherein the item identifier is
an element of a promotional offer.
53. A medium according to claim 52, wherein the item identifier is
printed in circulated materials.
54. A medium according to claim 51, wherein the calendar is a
countdown calendar.
55. A medium storing processor-executable process steps to provide
item information, the process steps comprising: a step to receive
an image of an item identifier; and a step to determine, based on
the received image, item information associated with an item
identified by the item identifier.
56. A medium according to claim 55, wherein the image is received
from a device.
57. A medium according to claim 56, the process steps further
comprising: a step to transmit the item information to the
device.
58. A medium according to claim 56, the process steps further
comprising: a step to transmit the item information to a second
device.
59. A medium according to claim 56, the process steps further
comprising: a step to receive a second image of a second item
identifier from a second device; and a step to determine, based on
the received second image, item information associated with a
second item identified by the second item identifier.
60. A medium according to claim 55, wherein the process step to
determine item information: a step to translate the received image
into an identification code.
61. A medium according to claim 60, wherein the process step to
determine item information further comprises: a step to identify
the item information as being associated with the identification
code.
62. A medium according to claim 61, wherein the process step to
identify the item information comprises: a step to transmit the
identification code to a device.
63. A medium according to claim 62, wherein the process step to
identify the item information further comprises: a step to receive
the item information from the device.
64. A medium according to claim 62, wherein the device transmits
the item information to a device from which the image was
received.
65. A medium according to claim 55, wherein the item identifier
comprises at least one of a barcode, a VCRplus code, text, a
portion of the item, a color, and a texture.
66. A medium according to claim 65, wherein the item identifier is
a Uniform Resource Locator.
67. A medium according to claim 55, wherein the item identifier is
an element of a promotional offer.
68. A medium according to claim 55, wherein the item information
comprises at least one of item specifications, warranty
information, executable software, item availability information,
Web page data, an expiration date, and a machine-readable version
of a text identifier.
69. A medium according to claim 68, wherein the item information
comprises software for conducting optical character
recognition.
70. A medium according to claim 55, wherein the process step to
determine item information further comprises: a step to determine a
type of the received image; and a step to determine a medium to
obtain item information based on the type.
71. A medium according to claim 55, wherein the item identifier is
located proximate to a location, and wherein the item information
relates to the location.
72. A medium according to claim 55, the process steps further
comprising: receiving payment from a seller of the item.
73. A medium according to claim 72, wherein the payment is based on
a number of times the image is received.
74. A medium according to claim 72, wherein the payment is based on
an increase in the seller's revenue.
75. An apparatus to obtain item information, comprising: a
processor; and a storage device in communication with said
processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said
processor to: capture an image of an item identifier; transmit the
image; and receive, in response to the transmission, item
information associated with an item identified by the item
identifier.
76. An apparatus according to claim 75, wherein the image is
transmitted to a device.
77. An apparatus according to claim 75, wherein the image is
transmitted via a wireless connection.
78. An apparatus according to claim 75, wherein the item identifier
comprises at least one of a barcode, a VCRplus code, text, a
portion of the item, a color, and a texture.
79. An apparatus according to claim 78, wherein the item identifier
is a Uniform Resource Locator.
80. An apparatus according to claim 75, wherein the item identifier
is an element of a promotional offer.
81. An apparatus according to claim 75, wherein the item
information comprises at least one of item specifications, warranty
information, executable software, item availability information,
Web page data, and a machine-readable version of a text
identifier.
82. An apparatus according to claim 81, wherein the item
information comprises software for conducting optical character
recognition.
83. An apparatus according to claim 75, wherein the item identifier
is located proximate to a location, and wherein the item
information relates to the location.
84. An apparatus according to claim 75, wherein the item
information comprises an expiration date.
85. An apparatus according to claim 84, the storage device storing
instructions adapted to be executed by said processor to record the
expiration date in a calendar.
86. An apparatus according to claim 85, wherein the item identifier
is an element of a promotional offer.
87. An apparatus according to claim 86, wherein the item identifier
is printed in circulated materials.
88. An apparatus according to claim 85, wherein the calendar is a
countdown calendar.
89. An apparatus to provide item information, comprising: a
processor; and a storage device in communication with said
processor and storing instructions adapted to be executed by said
processor to: receive an image of an item identifier; and
determine, based on the received image, item information associated
with an item identified by the item identifier.
90. An apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the image is
received from a device.
91. An apparatus according to claim 90, the storage device storing
instructions adapted to be executed by the processor to transmit
the item information to the device.
92. An apparatus according to claim 90, the storage device storing
instructions adapted to be executed by the processor to transmit
the item information to a second device.
93. An apparatus according to claim 90, the storage device storing
instructions adapted to be executed by the processor to: receive a
second image of a second item identifier from a second device; and
determine, based on the received second image, item information
associated with a second item identified by the second item
identifier.
94. An apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the instruction
adapted to be executed by the processor to determine item
information comprises an instruction adapted to be executed by the
processor to translate the received image into an identification
code.
95. An apparatus according to claim 94, wherein the instruction
adapted to be executed by the processor to determine item
information comprises an instruction adapted to be executed by the
processor to identify the item information as being associated with
the identification code.
96. An apparatus according to claim 95, wherein the instruction
adapted to be executed by the processor to identify the item
information comprises an instruction adapted to be executed by the
processor to transmit the identification code to a device.
97. An apparatus according to claim 96, wherein the instruction
adapted to be executed by the processor to identify the item
information comprises an instruction adapted to be executed by the
processor to receive the item information from the device.
98. An apparatus according to claim 96, wherein the device
transmits the item information to a device from which the image was
received.
99. An apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the item identifier
comprises at least one of a barcode, a VCRplus code, text, a
portion of the item, a color, and a texture.
100. An apparatus according to claim 99, wherein the item
identifier is a Uniform Resource Locator.
101. An apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the item
identifier is an element of a promotional offer.
102. An apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the item
information comprises at least one of item specifications, warranty
information, executable software, item availability information,
Web page data, an expiration date, and a machine-readable version
of a text identifier.
103. An apparatus according to claim 102, wherein the item
information comprises software for conducting optical character
recognition.
104. An apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the instruction
adapted to be executed by the processor to determine item
information comprises an instruction adapted to be executed by the
processor to: determine a type of the received image; and determine
a medium to obtain item information based on the type.
105. An apparatus according to claim 89, wherein the item
identifier is located proximate to a location, and wherein the item
information relates to the location.
106. An apparatus according to claim 89, the storage device storing
instructions adapted to be executed by the processor to receive
payment from a seller of the item.
107. An apparatus according to claim 106, wherein the payment is
based on a number of times the image is received.
108. An apparatus according to claim 106, wherein the payment is
based on an increase in the seller's revenue.
109. A method according to claim 1, wherein the item identifier
comprises first text in a first language and the item information
comprises second text in a second language, wherein the item
information is in a machine-readable format, and wherein the second
text represents a translation of the first text from the first
language to the second language.
110. A method according to claim 15, wherein the item identifier
comprises first text in a first language and the item information
comprises second text in a second language, wherein the item
information is in a machine-readable format, and wherein the second
text represents a translation of the first text from the first
language to the second language.
111. A medium according to claim 41, wherein the item identifier
comprises first text in a first language and the item information
comprises second text in a second language, wherein the item
information is in a machine-readable format, and wherein the second
text represents a translation of the first text from the first
language to the second language.
112. A medium according to claim 55, wherein the item identifier
comprises first text in a first language and the item information
comprises second text in a second language, wherein the item
information is in a machine-readable format, and wherein the second
text represents a translation of the first text from the first
language to the second language.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to systems for obtaining item
information. More specifically, the present invention concerns a
system to provide item information based on an item identifier such
as a barcode.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Barcodes have long been used by retailers to identify, track
and manage items. A barcode encodes information related to an item
with which the barcode is associated. Typically, a barcode is
associated with an item by affixing the barcode to the item or to
the item's packaging.
[0005] In order to use a barcode associated with an item, a
retailer first extracts encoded information from the barcode using
a barcode scanner. The extracted information may consist of an
identification code such as a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU). Of course,
instead of scanning the barcode, the identification code may be
manually read and entered into a device via a keyboard. In either
case, the code may then be used to retrieve a retail price of the
item from a database, to update a location of the item in a
database, or to obtain warranty or other information regarding the
item from a database. The extracted information itself may also
consist of the retail price, warranty information, etc.
[0006] In view of the prevalence and usefulness of barcodes, many
devices for extracting information therefrom have been developed
for use by retailers and consumers. These devices include grocery
checkout scanners, handheld scanners, and scanning pens. Peripheral
modules capable of decoding barcodes are also being developed for
devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and mobile
telephones.
[0007] Some devices are capable of extracting information from
barcodes of several different formats. One such system, the Cue
Cat.TM. system by Digital:Convergence, operates by scanning a pen
across a barcode obtained from a product or advertisement and by
controlling a World Wide Web ("Web") browser to access a Web page
related to the product or advertisement. In view of the number and
diversity of available barcode-decoding devices, the development
and purchase of these devices represents a substantial capital
investment by manufacturers and consumers alike.
[0008] The present situation presents two alternative problems. In
one case, advances in optical, data compression and data
representation technologies may lead to changes in standards for
encoding and decoding barcodes that cannot be met by
current-generation barcode scanners. As a result, substantial
capital investment in these scanners will be lost. Moreover,
subsequent technological advances may in turn cause the
obsolescence of next-generation scanners and corresponding losses
in capital investment.
[0009] In a second case, the momentum created by the current
infrastructure of barcode devices will stifle development thereof.
Specifically, perceived advantages of developing new barcode
technology may not be seen as outweighing a loss in capital
investment that would result from the replacement of devices
displaced by the new technology. Consequently, the new technology
will not be developed, and consumers and retailers may not receive
net benefits that would have otherwise resulted therefrom.
[0010] In view of the foregoing, what is needed is a system to
interpret item identifiers such as barcodes that encourages the
development of better encoding and decoding standards, supports
changes to these standards without requiring substantial capital
investment, provides more diverse and flexible usage of item
identifiers, and can be embodied in a general-purpose device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] To address these needs, the present invention relates to a
system for obtaining item information in which an image of an item
identifier is captured, the image is transmitted, and, in response
to the transmission, item information associated with an item
identified by the item identifier is received. According to some
embodiments, this aspect of the present invention reduces a need
for an identifier-reading device to decode an item identifier
locally. As a result, changes to decoding standards might not
require any change to the identifier-reading device. It is believed
that such an arrangement would therefore encourage development of
such standards and increase usage of the system. Moreover,
embodiments of this aspect allow easy usage of item identifiers and
associated item information by any system capable of transmitting
an image and receiving item information. These embodiments also may
be used to provide a general-purpose device capable of interpreting
item identifiers and obtaining item information.
[0012] In another aspect, the present invention concerns a system
to provide item information in which an image of an item identifier
is received, and, based on the received image, item information
associated with an item identified by the item identifier is
determined. Embodiments of this aspect advantageously allow a
system to obtain item information based on an image of an item
identifier. As described above, this capability may result in
increased development of identifier encoding and decoding
standards, easier adaptability to changed standards, and more
diverse and flexible usage of item identifiers.
[0013] With these and other advantages and features that will
become hereafter apparent, a more complete understanding of the
nature of the invention can be obtained by referring to the
following detailed description and to the drawings appended
hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of process steps to receive item
information according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of process steps to determine item
information according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a topographic view of a network architecture
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an internal architecture of a
central server according to embodiments to the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an internal architecture of a
client device according to embodiments to the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a representative view of a tabular portion of an
item information database according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a representative view of a tabular portion of an
information provider database according to embodiments of the
present invention.
[0021] FIGS. 8A and 8B comprise a flow diagram of process steps to
obtain item information using an image of an item identifier
according to embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of process steps 10 to obtain item
information according to embodiments of the present invention. In
order to provide an immediate introduction to features of the
present invention, process steps 10 will now be described without
reference to a particular embodiment. Of course, a complete
description of specific hardware and software embodiments of the
claimed invention is set forth below.
[0023] Initially, an image of an item identifier is captured in
step S11. In some embodiments of step S11, the item identifier is
captured using a digital camera. Of course, the item identifier may
be captured using any currently or hereafter known device for
capturing images in any format.
[0024] An item identifier may comprise a barcode as described
above, an image, text, or any other device usable to identify an
item, including but not limited to a VCRplus code, a Web address,
text in any font, a portion of the item, a color, and a texture.
The item identifier may be located on the item, on or in the item's
packaging, in a promotional offer, on circulated printed materials,
on a product display, or on any other media from which an image of
the identifier may be captured. In this regard, an item according
to the present invention may include a product, a service, an
event, a website, a location or any other entity for which
information may be obtained.
[0025] The captured image is transmitted in step S12. For example,
a digital camera used in step S11 may transmit the image to a
remote device for processing of the image. In some embodiments,
such processing includes decoding of the item identifier to
determine item information associated with the product identifier.
Accordingly, item information associated with the item is then
received in step S13. It should be noted that the item information
may be received by the device used in steps S11 and S12 or by
another device.
[0026] The received item information may include any information
associated with the item, such as a description, retail price,
warranty information, expiration date, and availability information
in any format, including machine-readable text. In a case that the
item information comprises an expiration date, the date may be
recorded in a countdown calendar managed by the client device.
Advantageously, process steps 10 provide a system to obtain item
information using an image capturing device without requiring the
image capturing device to perform specialized decoding of an item
identifier.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of process steps 20 to determine
item information according to embodiments of the present invention.
As in the description of FIG. 1, process steps 20 are described
below without reference to a particular embodiment. Generally,
process steps 20 represent process steps complementary to process
steps 10.
[0028] In this regard, an image of an item identifier is received
in step S21. The image may be received from a device transmitting
the image according to step S12 of process steps 10. With respect
to a specific example, a digital camera may capture the image and
transmit the image in step S11 and step S12, respectively, and a
central server may receive the image in step S21.
[0029] Item information is then determined in step S22. The
determined item information is associated with an item identified
by the received image. Item information may be determined in many
ways depending upon the format of the image and the type of item
identifier. For example, a received image may be identified as a
barcode in a particular barcode format. The barcode is therefore
decoded using an algorithm associated with the particular format to
produce decoded item information. The decoded information may
consist of a code that is then used to look up associated item
information in a local or remote database. As a result, a system
according to process steps 20 may determine item information from
any type of item identifier as long as an algorithm for decoding
the identifier is known. In some embodiments, the determined
information is then transmitted to the device that transmitted the
image of the item identifier.
Network Architecture
[0030] FIG. 3 is a topographic view of a network architecture
according to embodiments of the present invention. Of course,
network architectures other that that shown in FIG. 3 may be used
to implement the invention.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows communication network 100 in communication with
central server 200, client devices 300 to 302, and information
providers 400 and 401. Communication network 100 may comprise any
number of systems for transferring data, including a local area
network, a wide area network, a telephone network, a cellular
network, a fiber-optic network, a satellite network, an infra-red
network, a radio frequency network, and any other type of network
which may be used to transmit information between devices.
Additionally, communication network 100 may be used to transmit
data using any known transmission protocol, such as Asynchronous
Transfer Mode (ATM), Internet Protocol (IP), Hypertext Transfer
Protocol (HTTP) and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). In one
embodiment, communication network 100 is the World Wide Web.
[0032] Central server 200 may comprise a network server or other
device capable of performing the functions described herein. In
addition to these functions, central server 200 may control various
operations of an entity providing item information, including
updating of decoding algorithms, billing, Web access, and the like.
According to one embodiment, central server 200 operates to receive
an image of an item identifier, and, based on the received image,
to determine item information associated with an item identified by
the item identifier. Details of one embodiment of central server
200 are set forth below with respect to FIG. 4.
[0033] Client devices 300 to 302 comprise a digital camera, a
mobile telephone and a PDA, respectively. Each of consumer devices
300 to 302 includes peripherals for capturing an image, and may
operate to capture an image of an item identifier, to transmit the
image, and, in response to the transmission, to receive item
information associated with an item identified by the item
identifier. Although client devices 300 to 302 use similar systems
for capturing images, image capture according to the invention may
proceed using any system for capturing images in any format.
[0034] Information providers 400 and 401 comprise network servers
and may be used to store item information and/or algorithms needed
to decode images of item identifiers. Information providers 400 and
401 may also operate to decode item identifiers according to the
stored algorithms. Moreover, each of information providers 400 and
401 may be operated by a different business entity and therefore
may store only item information/decoding algorithms corresponding
to items associated with the business entity.
[0035] In operation, one of client devices 300 to 302 captures an
image of an item identifier and transmits the image to central
server 200. Other central servers may exist, with the captured
image being transmitted to a central server having a service
contract with a user of the client device or with a retail store in
which the image was captured. Central server 200 receives the
image, determines the type of item identifier represented in the
image, if necessary, and decodes the item identifier according to
the determined type. Decoding the identifier results in a code that
is transmitted to one of information providers 400 and 401
depending upon the format and/or content of the code. Generally,
the code is transmitted to an information provider that stores item
information associated with the code. The receiving information
provider returns the associated item information to central server
200, which in turn transmits the item information back to the
client device from which the image was received.
[0036] Many alternatives to the foregoing operation are
contemplated. For example, the item identifier may be decoded by
central server 200 to produce the item information that is
transmitted to the client device, or the associated item
information may be stored in central server 200 in association with
the code. Also, the item information may be transmitted to the
client device from the information provider rather than from
central server 200. In addition, the item information may be
transmitted to a client device different from the client device
from which the image was received. In a specific example of the
latter embodiment, a user may operate client device 302 to transmit
images of item identifiers to central server 200. In response,
central server 200 determines and transmits item information
associated with each item identifier to the user's home PC to
create a "wish list", inventory or other compilation of the items.
Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous in a case that the
item information consists of data that it difficult to view on
client device 302.
[0037] According to other embodiments, the elements of FIG. 3 are
connected differently than as shown. For example, some or all of
the elements may be connected directly to one another. Of course,
embodiments of the invention may include elements that are
different from those shown.
[0038] It should be noted that the devices shown in communication
with each other might not be constantly exchanging data. Rather,
communication may be established when necessary and severed at
other times or always available but rarely used to transmit data.
Moreover, although the illustrated communication links between the
components of FIG. 3 appear dedicated, it should be noted that each
of the links may be shared by other components.
Central Server
[0039] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the internal architecture of
central server 200 according to one embodiment of the invention. As
illustrated, central server 200 includes microprocessor 210 in
communication with communication bus 220. Microprocessor 210 may be
a Pentium.TM., RISC.TM.-based, or other type of processor and is
used to execute processor-executable process steps so as to control
the components of central server 200 to provide functionality
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0040] Also in communication with communication bus 220 is
communication port 230. Communication port 230 is used to transmit
data to and to receive data from devices external to central server
200. Communication port 230 is therefore preferably configured with
hardware suitable to physically interface with desired external
devices and/or network connections. In one embodiment, images of
item identifiers are received and item information is transmitted
over communication port 230.
[0041] Input device 240, display 250 and printer 260 are also in
communication with communication bus 220. Any known input device
may be used as input device 240, including a keyboard, mouse, touch
pad, voice-recognition system, or any combination of these devices.
Input device 240 may be used by a business entity operating central
server 200 to input item information and associated item
identifiers, client device network addresses, information provider
network addresses, and other information to central server 200. Of
course, such information may also be input to central server 200
via communication port 230.
[0042] Display 250 may output text and graphics to an operator in
response to commands issued by microprocessor 210, and may be an
integral or separate CRT display, flat-panel display or the like.
Printer 260 may also output text and graphics, but in hardcopy form
using ink-jet, thermal, dot-matrix, laser, or other printing
technologies.
[0043] RAM 270 is connected to communication bus 220 to provide
microprocessor 210 with fast data storage and retrieval. In this
regard, processor-executable process steps being executed by
microprocessor 210 are typically stored temporarily in RAM 270 and
executed therefrom by microprocessor 210. ROM 280, in contrast,
provides storage from which data can be retrieved but to which data
cannot be stored. Accordingly, ROM 280 is used to store invariant
process steps and other data, such as basic input/output
instructions and data used during system boot-up or to control
communication port 230. It should be noted that one or both of RAM
270 and ROM 280 may communicate directly with microprocessor 210
instead of over communication bus 220.
[0044] Data storage device 290 stores central server program 292,
Web server 294, item information database 296, and information
provider database 298. Central server program 292 consists of
processor-executable process steps executed by microprocessor 210
in order to control central server 200 to determine item
information in accordance with the present invention. More
specifically, the process steps of central server program 292 may
be executed by microprocessor 210 to receive an image of an item
identifier, to determine item information associated with an item
identified by the item identifier based on the received image, and
to transmit the determined item information. As a result, changes
in item identifier decoding standards might not require any change
to client devices.
[0045] The process steps of central server program 292 may be read
from a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a
DVD-ROM, a Zip.TM. disk, a magnetic tape, or a signal encoding the
process steps, and then stored in data storage device 290 in a
compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. In alternative
embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in
combination with, processor-executable process steps for
implementation of the processes of the present invention. Thus,
embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any
specific combination of hardware and software.
[0046] Web server 294 also comprises processor-executable process
steps. The process steps may be executed by microprocessor 210 to
transmit data to and to receive data from Web clients, such as Web
browsers, over the Web.
[0047] Item information database 296 includes item information
associated with item identifiers. Accordingly, item information
database 296 may be used to determine item information based on a
received image of an item identifier. A specific example of a
portion of item information database 296 will be described with
respect to FIG. 6.
[0048] Stored in information provider database 298 is data used to
communicate with information providers 400 and 401. More
particularly, the data specifies information providers that are
capable of determining item information associated with particular
types of item identifiers. The data is therefore used to determine
to which information provider an item identifier should be sent.
Further details of information provider database 298 are set forth
with respect to FIG. 7.
[0049] Data storage device 290 may also store other unshown
elements that may be necessary for operation of central server 200,
such as other applications, other data files, an operating system,
a database management system and "device drivers" for allowing
microprocessor 210 to interface with devices in communication with
communication port 230. These elements are known to those skilled
in the art, and are therefore not described in detail herein.
Client Device
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates several components of client device 300
according to one embodiment of the invention. The components may
comprise any of the specific examples set forth above with respect
to identically-named components of central server 200. Of course,
specific functions performed by the components may differ from the
functions performed by the identically-named components. For
example, microprocessor 310 may be used to execute
processor-executable process steps to obtain images of item
identifiers and communication port 330 may be used to transmit the
images and to receive item information based thereon.
[0051] Charge-coupled device (CCD) 340 is used to receive light
impulses from lens 345 and to translate the impulses to an image
signal. Accordingly, CCD 340 and lens 345 may be used to capture an
image of an item identifier according to the present invention.
Display 350 is used to present preview images to a user and to
display information used to operate client device 300 such as
remaining storage capacity, battery level, etc. User interface 360
allows a user to input data and commands to client device 300,
including commands to capture an image of an item identifier and to
transmit the image to central server 200.
[0052] Data storage device 390 stores client program 392 of
processor-executable process steps. The process steps of client
program 392 may be executed by microprocessor 310 so as to control
client device 300 to capture an image of an item identifier, to
transmit the image, and, in response to the transmission, to
receive item information associated with an item identified by the
item identifier. Of course, client program 392 may include process
steps executable to provide other functions necessary for operation
of client device 300.
[0053] Also stored in data storage device 390 are
processor-executable steps of Web client 394. The process steps of
Web client 394 may be executed by microprocessor 310 to allow
client device 300 to send and receive over the Web. More
specifically, Web client 394 allows client device 300 to transmit
information to and to receive information from a device executing
process steps of a Web server, such as central server 200.
[0054] Image files 396 are also stored in data storage device 390
and include those images captured by CCD 340 and lens 345. Image
files 396 may include other image files as well.
Item Information Database
[0055] A tabular representation of a portion of item information
database 296 is shown in FIG. 6. The information stored in item
information database 296 may be entered by an employee through
input device 240 of central server 200, or may be received from a
remote device over communication port 230. As described above, the
information stored in item information database 296 may be used to
determine item information based on a received image of an item
identifier.
[0056] As shown, item information database 296 includes several
records and associated fields. The fields include SKU field 601,
description field 602, M.S.R.P. field 603, and warranty field 604.
For a particular record, SKU field 601 specifies a SKU of a
particular item. Similarly, description field 602, M.S.R.P. field
603 and warranty field 604 respectively include a description, a
manufacturer's suggested retail price, and a warranty associated
with the particular item. As such, the information stored in fields
601 to 604 is considered item information according to the present
invention. Of course, item information database 296 may include
many more records and each record may include fields other than
those shown in FIG. 6.
[0057] One particular usage of item information database 296
proceeds as follows. An image of an item identifier is received by
central server 200 and the item identifier is decoded to produce
data shown in one of the fields of item information database 296.
The item identifier may be decoded by central server 200 or by
another device to which central server 200 transmits the item
identifier, such as information provider 400. The decoded data is
used to identify associated item information in item information
database 296 and the item information is transmitted according to
the invention.
Information Provider Database
[0058] FIG. 7 shows a tabular representation of a portion of
information provider database 298 according to embodiments of the
invention. The data stored in information provider database 298 may
be used to determine an information provider to whom an item
identifier should be sent for decoding and/or determination of
associated item information.
[0059] Each record in the illustrated portion of information
provider database 298 includes identifier type field 701 and
information provider field 702. As shown, identifier type field 701
specifies a particular type of item identifier and information
provider field 702 provides a pointer to an information provider
associated with the type of item identifier. Accordingly, the
associated information provider may be capable of determining item
information based on an item identifier of the particular type.
[0060] In a case that central server 200 cannot determine item
information based on a received image of an item identifier of a
particular type, central server 200 uses information provider
database 298 to locate a pointer to an information provider
associated with the particular type of item identifier. Using the
pointer, central server 200 transmits the image of the item
identifier to the information provider. In response, central server
200 receives associated item information from the information
provider. Alternatively, the information provider transmits the
item information to another entity such as a client device from
which the image of the item identifier was received.
[0061] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the
illustrations and accompanying descriptions of item information
database 296 and information provider database 298 merely represent
relationships between stored information. A number of other
arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by the
illustrations. Similarly, the illustrated fields and field values
represent sample information only; those skilled in the art will
understand that the amount and content of this information may be
different from that illustrated.
Specific Example
[0062] FIGS. 8A and 8B set forth process steps to obtain item
information using an image of an item identifier according to some
embodiments of the present invention. The process steps are
described herein as being executed by client device 300, central
server 200 and information provider 400. Of course, it should be
noted that various ones of the process steps may be performed by
any device or number of devices, and that some of process steps may
be performed manually.
[0063] Briefly, according to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an image of an item
identifier is captured, the image is transmitted, and, in response
to the transmission, item information associated with an item
identified by the item identifier is received. Moreover, an image
of an item identifier is received, and, based on the received
image, item information associated with an item identified by the
item identifier is determined. By virtue of these features, the
process steps of FIGS. 8A and 8B may provide improved standards for
encoding and decoding item identifiers, easier adaptability to
changed standards, and more diverse and flexible usage of item
identifiers.
[0064] Initially, client device 300 captures an image of an item
identifier in step S801. The image is transmitted to central server
200 in step S802. In this regard, client program 392 may provide a
function for transmitting an image of an item identifier to central
server 200. Accordingly, the function may be selected by a user
prior to step S802 using user interface 360.
[0065] The image is received by central server 200 in step S803.
Next, in step S804, central server 200 extracts an identification
code from the image. The identification code may be extracted using
known or future algorithms for interpreting item identifiers. For
example, in a case that the image is determined to be an image of a
barcode, a barcode-decoding algorithm is used to extract an
identification code from the received image. Accordingly, it may be
necessary to analyze the received image prior to step S804 in order
to identify a type of item identifier represented by the image.
[0066] It is then determined in step S805 if the identification
code is known. In the present example, the identification code is a
SKU and item information database 296 is searched to identify a
record including the SKU in SKU field 601. If such a record is
identified, flow proceeds to step S806 to identify item information
associated with the identification code in item information
database 296. Continuing the example, the item information
identified in step S806 consists of the information specified in
the remaining fields of the located record. Next, in step S807, the
identified item information is transmitted to client device
300.
[0067] Returning to step S805, flow proceeds therefrom to step S808
in a case that it is determined that the identification code is not
known. In step S808, the identification code is transmitted to
information provider 400. In this regard, an agreement may exist
between entities operating central server 200 and information
provider 400 allowing central server 200 to use information
provider 400 to obtain item information. If central server 200 has
similar agreements with other information providers, the code may
be transmitted to information provider 400 rather than to another
of the information providers based on factors such as the type or
location of the client device, the format of the received image,
and characteristics of the code.
[0068] Regardless of how information provider 400 is chosen to
receive the code, information provider 400 receives the code in
step S809. Next, in steps S810 and S811, information provider
identifies item information associated with the identification code
and transmits the information to client device 300 as described
above with respect to steps S806 and S807. Accordingly, for the
purposes of this example, information provider 400 is assumed to
store a data structure associating identification codes with item
information.
[0069] Client device 300 receives item information in step S812,
either from central server 200 or from information provider 400.
Next, the item information is presented to the user through display
350. In other embodiments, the item information is stored in data
storage device 390 for later review, or, in the case that the item
information comprises executable code, installed in client device
300 for later execution.
[0070] The process steps of FIGS. 8A and 8B may be altered to
create embodiments of the invention according to any of the
alternative arrangements mentioned herein. For example, the process
steps may be altered such that central system 200 determines
whether it is capable of extracting information from a received
image of an item identifier. If not, the image is transmitted to an
information provider determined based on the image type and on
associated data stored in information provider database 298. In
another alternative, a user of client device 300 may specify prior
to step S802 a particular client device to receive item
information. Accordingly, item information determined by central
system 200 or information provider 400 is transmitted to the
specified client device instead of to client device 300.
[0071] In other embodiments, an item identifier may comprise text
and associated item information may comprise a machine-language
equivalent of the text item identifier. Accordingly, such
embodiments provide optical character recognition processing of
text. In related embodiments, item information received in response
to a transmitted text item identifier comprises executable code for
performing optical character recognition processing on the item
identifier. Both of these embodiments may be used to provide a
general-purpose device with the ability to process text in an
unlimited number of fonts.
[0072] According to some other embodiments, client device 300 may
be used to capture an image of text, to transmit the image, and to
receive a language translation of the text in machine-readable
format. Specifically, client device 300 may capture an image of a
French phrase and receive an English-language translation of the
phrase in ASCII format. As a result, a client device embodying the
present invention may provide item information, OCR processing, and
language-translation.
[0073] In still other embodiments, an operator of central server
200 receives payment from a seller of an item in exchange for
providing information associated with the item. The payment may be
based on a number of times an image of an associated item
identifier is received and/or a number of times item information
associated with the item is transmitted. The payment may also be
based on marketplace factors, including an increase in the seller's
revenue attributable to central server 200 or an increase in
inquiries relating to the item.
[0074] Moreover, although the present invention has been described
with respect to particular embodiments and alternative arrangements
thereof, those skilled in the art will note that various
substitutions may be made to those embodiments and arrangements
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *